Background

Activated carbon, also called activated charcoal, has many uses as a filter medium and absorbent, including water and gas purification, decaffeination, gas mask air filters, gold processing, metal extraction and sewage treatment. Sulfur and chlorine may occur naturally in charcoal and in the production and regeneration of activated carbon various solvents may be used, including sulfur-based and chlorine-based solvents. As the material is processed the sulfur and chlorine levels are monitored until they reach an acceptable content. EDXRF offers a fast and simple low cost method of measuring the sulfur and chlorine content with little or no sample preparation and relatively short analysis times. The NEX QC+ is a self-contained touch screen analyzer ideal for use by non-technical operators throughput the quality control of activated carbon processing and recycling.